H. E. Hinkle, whose athletic and academic contributions to the Vanlue schools as a coach and administrator spanned five decades, moved to this Hancock County community in 1937 as coach of all sports. Before he retired in 1974, he earned respect and admiration that few ever hoped to achieve. On Oct. 23, 1987, Vanlue honored him by naming the town’s football field, ‘Hinkle Field’, for this man’s 37 years of service to the Vanlue school system. It was in basketball where Hinkle achieved his greatest success as a coach. During 11 seasons, H.E. led the Wildcats to a record of 126-57. Those victories accounted for four league titles, one co-championship, three county tournament crowns and four appearances in the sectional tournament. In 1938-39, Vanlue won the ‘Little 9’ league basketball championship for the first time. Including one season at Liberty High School (1937-37), Hinkle compiled a win-loss record of 135-62-1 in basketball. From 1937-1943, Hinkle was a football, basketball and baseball coach along with his duties as principal and teacher. In 1943, he became superintendent. His record as a baseball coach was 36-21 while his football teams won 43, lost 50 and tied 7. Hinkle served on the Northwest District Athletic Board as a 10-year member from 1961-1971. He graduated from Dola High School (1928) and Ohio Northern University (1935) and received a master’s degree from Ohio State University (1941). Hinkle was a two-time all-Hardin County basketball standout, who competed on the ONU basketball squad for four seasons.